Anti-Leakage Liquid Cooling Connectors

ABSTRACT

A device for a computing system is disclosed. The device includes a body, a socket, and a connector. The body includes a panel and an internal conduit. The connector extends from the panel. The connector is removably coupled to the socket. The connector includes an outer end and an inner end. The connector also includes a nut that has an exterior surface mating with a corresponding interior surface of the socket, and a tubular inlet. The connector also has a sleeve with an internal bore and an external surface abutting the tubular inlet of the nut. The internal conduit is coupled to the inner end of the connector to circulate cooling liquid through the body. The nut includes an angled portion and the sleeve includes a flared portion for assisting in securing the nut and the sleeve in the internal conduit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/114,293, entitled “Low Minor Loss Coupledwith Anti Leakage Liquid Cooling Connector,” and filed on Nov. 16, 2020.The contents of that application are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a method for coolingcomputing system components, and more specifically, to a liquid coolingmethod that utilizes a cold plate for cooling components of a serversystem.

BACKGROUND

Computer enclosures and other types of electronic equipment oftencontain many electronic components that generate heat. Typically, theheat in such a system is confined by the enclosure and requires anadditional component or method in order to reduce the temperature of thesystem. The heat generated by each component increases based onincreases in processing power. Thus, overheating is a common issue,which can have a negative impact on the performance of the components inthe system. Overheating reduces efficiency and may cause long termdamage to the components.

A common way to reduce the temperature in a computing system is toinclude one or more fans in the system to increase air flow. Increasingair flow in the system usually decreases the temperature of the systemin the aggregate. However, it may be difficult to target a specificelectronic component that may produce more heat than others and,therefore, need more cooling measures. Thus, liquid cooling systems areoften used for direct localized cooling and offer higher heat transferrates than fans. Liquid cooling systems can be used as an alternative,or in conjunction, with fans.

Liquid cooling systems generally include a cold plate fabricated from ametal, and connections for tubes directing cooling liquid into and outof the cold plate. The cold plates are typically placed abovecomponents, such as processor units, that produce relatively highamounts of heat compared with other components of the system. Thus, itis very important for the liquid not to leak because that may causedamage to the rest of the system, especially the electrical components.

Additionally, connections for the cooling liquid to the cold platetypically include tubes of elastic material, such as rubber or PVC.Elastic tubes are likely to degrade over time, which can be a source forleaking. Similarly, O-rings may be used to seal the connections betweenthe cold plate and the tubing. However, O-rings are typically made ofelastic material and, thus, can also degrade over time, especially dueto high liquid coolant pressure in the system. Cold plates have an areawhere the pressure increases as the liquid leaves the cold plate inorder to reduce leakage. The high pressure is due to a decrease in thediameter of the internal conduit of the cold plate relative to thediameter of the connection from the cold plate to the tube.

Thus, there exists a need for a cooling system with secure connections.More specifically, there is a need for a cold plate system that has alower likelihood of leakage, by using connections that are less likelyto degrade over time. There is also a need for a connection thatsmoothly transitions the change in pressure between the cold plate andthe liquid cooling tube, thereby reducing areas of high pressure. Thereis also a need for a cooling system that does not degrade easily overprolonged periods of time due to temperature or wear.

SUMMARY

The term embodiment and like terms are intended to refer broadly to allof the subject matter of this disclosure and the claims below.Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit thesubject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of theclaims below. Embodiments of the present disclosure covered herein aredefined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is ahigh-level overview of various aspects of the disclosure and introducessome of the concepts that are further described in the DetailedDescription section below. This summary is not intended to identify keyor essential features of the claimed subject matter. This summary isalso not intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of theclaimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood byreference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of thisdisclosure, any or all drawings and each claim.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for acomputing system is disclosed. The device includes a body, a socket, anda connector. The body includes a panel and an internal conduit. Theconnector extends from the panel. The connector is removably coupled tothe socket. The connector includes an outer end and an inner end, a nutand a sleeve. The nut has an exterior surface mating with acorresponding interior surface of the socket, and a tubular inlet. Thesleeve with an internal bore and an external surface abutting thetubular inlet of the nut. The internal conduit is coupled to the innerend of the connector to circulate cooling liquid through the body.

According to a configuration of the above implementation, the nutincludes an angled portion and the sleeve includes a flared portion forassisting in securing the nut and the sleeve in the internal conduit.

According to another configuration of the above implementation, theouter end of the connector is configured to be coupled to a tube.

In a further aspect of the above implementation, the exterior surface ofthe nut of the connector includes a plurality of threads configured tomate with threads on the socket.

In another aspect of the above implementation, the sleeve of theconnector includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The innerdiameter decreases from the inner end to the outer end of the connector.

According to another configuration of the above implementation, theouter diameter of the sleeve is less than the inner diameter of the nut.

In a further aspect of the above implementation, the device is formedfrom a metal.

In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the internalconduit is U-shaped.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a cooling assembly fordecreasing temperature in a computing system. The cooling assemblyincludes an inlet tube, an outlet tube, and a cold plate. The inlet tubeis configured to transport liquid into the assembly. The outlet tube isconfigured to transport liquid out of the assembly. The cold plateincludes a body, a first socket, a second socket, a first connector, anda second connector. The body includes a panel and an internal conduit.The first connector and the second connector extend from the panel. Eachconnector is configured to be coupled to either the first socket or thesecond socket. The first connector and the second connector each have anouter end and an inner end. Each connector also has a nut with anexterior surface mating with a corresponding interior surface of thefirst socket or the second socket, and a tubular inlet. Each connectoralso has a sleeve with an internal bore and an external surface abuttingthe tubular inlet of the nut. The internal conduit is coupled to theinner end of the first connector and the second connector to circulatecooling liquid between the first connector and the second connector. Theinlet tube mates with the first connector and the outlet tube mates withthe second connector.

According to a configuration of the above implementation, the nutincludes an angled portion and the sleeve includes a flared portion forassisting in securing the nut and the sleeve in the internal conduit.

According to another configuration of the above implementation, theouter end of the first connector and the second connector are eachconfigured to be coupled to a tube.

In a further aspect of the above implementation, the exterior surface ofthe nut of each connector includes a plurality of threads configured tomate with threads on the first socket or the second socket.

In another aspect of the above implementation, the sleeve of the firstand the second connector includes an outer diameter and an innerdiameter. The inner diameter decreases from the inner end to the outerend of the second connector.

According to another configuration of the above implementation, theouter diameter of the sleeve is less than the inner diameter of the nut.

In a further aspect of the above implementation, the cold plate isformed from a metal.

In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the internalconduit is U-shaped.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a system. The systemincludes an inlet tube, an outlet tube, an electronic component, and acold plate. The inlet tube is couplable to a circulation system of aliquid cooling system. The inlet tube transports liquid from thecirculation system. The outlet tube is couplable to the liquid coolingsystem to transport liquid to the circulation system. The electroniccomponent generates heat. The cold plate thermally connected to theelectronic component. The cold plate includes a body, a first socket, asecond socket, a first connector, and a second connector. The bodyincludes a panel and an internal conduit. The first connector and thesecond connector extend from the panel. Each connector is configured tobe coupled to the first socket and the second socket. The firstconnector and the second connector each have an outer end and an innerend. Each connector also has a nut with an exterior surface mating witha corresponding interior surface of the first socket or the secondsocket, and a tubular inlet. Each connector also has a sleeve with aninternal bore and an external surface abutting the tubular inlet of thenut. The internal conduit is coupled to the inner end of the firstconnector and the second connector to circulate cooling liquid betweenthe first connector and the second connector. The inlet tube mates withthe first connector and the outlet tube mates with the second connector.

In a further aspect of the above implementation, the exterior surface ofthe nut of each connector includes a plurality of threads configured tomate with threads on the first socket or the second socket.

In another aspect of the above implementation, the sleeve of the firstand the second connector includes an outer diameter and an innerdiameter. The inner diameter decreases from the inner end to the outerend of each connector.

According to another configuration of the above implementation, theouter diameter of the sleeve is less than the inner diameter of the nut.

The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or everyaspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary merelyprovides an example of some of the novel aspects and features set forthherein. The above features and advantages, and other features andadvantages of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent from thefollowing detailed description of representative embodiments and modesfor carrying out the present invention, when taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Additional aspects ofthe disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art inview of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is madewith reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is providedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure, and its advantages and drawings, will be betterunderstood from the following description of exemplary embodimentstogether with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawingsdepict only exemplary embodiments, and are therefore not to beconsidered as limitations on the scope of the various embodiments orclaims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computing system with an examplecooling system in a chassis of the computing system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example cold plate that allows forcooling liquid to flow through it.

FIG. 3 is a see-through perspective view of the example cold plate ofFIG. 2, demonstrating the liquid flow.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a sleeve of the socket of the examplecold plate of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a prospective view of a nut of the socket of the example coldplate of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the example cold plate of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a close-up view of the socket of the example cold plate ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 6B is a close-up, vertical cross-sectional view of the example coldplate of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an example nut and sleeve in thesocket of the example cold plate of FIG. 2 demonstrating compressionforce.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific implementations have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in further detail herein.It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended tobe limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are described with reference to the attachedfigures, where like reference numerals are used throughout the figuresto designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawnto scale and are provided merely to illustrate the instant invention.Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference toexample applications for illustration. It should be understood thatnumerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth toprovide a full understanding of the invention. One having ordinary skillin the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the inventioncan be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or withother methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operationsare not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The variousembodiments are not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts orevents, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrentlywith other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts orevents are required to implement a methodology in accordance with thepresent invention.

Elements and limitations that are disclosed, for example, in theAbstract, Summary, and Detailed Description sections, but not explicitlyset forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into the claims,singly, or collectively, by implication, inference, or otherwise. Forpurposes of the present detailed description, unless specificallydisclaimed, the singular includes the plural and vice versa. The word“including” means “including without limitation.” Moreover, words ofapproximation, such as “about,” “almost,” “substantially,”“approximately,” and the like, can be used herein to mean “at,” “near,”or “nearly at,” or “within 3-5% of,” or “within acceptable manufacturingtolerances,” or any logical combination thereof, for example.

The present disclosure is directed to a method of cooling using a coldplate. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to a coldplate system that has a lower likelihood of leakage and reduces areas ofhigh pressure in the cold plate system.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computing system, such as a serversystem 100, with a cooling system in a chassis 102 of the system 100.The illustrated server system 100 includes the chassis 102, amotherboard 104, memory modules 106, an add-on card bracket 108, aseries of connection ports 110, a cooling liquid inlet tube 112, acooling liquid outlet tube 128, and a cold plate 114. In otherimplementations, the server system 100 may include more than the listedcomponents or less than the listed components. The chassis 102 includesa top panel 116, a bottom panel 118, a first side wall 120, a secondside wall 122, a front wall 124, and a back wall 126 to enclose theelectronic components of the system 100. The top panel 116 and thebottom panel 118 are generally perpendicular to the first side wall 120and the second side wall 122.

In some implementations, the memory modules 106 are dual in-line memorymodules (DIMMs) generally located near the back wall 126 and the firstside wall 120. Another set of memory modules 106 is generally locatednear the back wall 126 and the second side wall 122. In this example,two processors are mounted between the memory modules 106 for readyaccess to the modules 106. The cold plate 114 may be located in thechassis 102, in between the memory modules 106, to transfer heat awayfrom the processor. The inlet tube 112 may be connected to a portion ofthe cold plate 114. The add-on card bracket 108 may be located near thefront wall 124. The series of connection ports 110 may also be locatedon the front wall 124. The motherboard 104 may be located on a portionof the chassis 102 nearest to the bottom panel 118.

The individual components of system 100 such as the processor maydissipate, generate, produce, or radiate heat. Thus, the heat in thesystem 100 may accumulate if a cooling mechanism is not implemented. Theinlet tube 112, the outlet tube 128, and the cold plate 114 may functionas a cooling system to decrease the overall temperature in the chassis102. More specifically, the cold plate 114 of the system 100 may cool acomponent to a lower temperature by transferring heat to a coolingliquid, such as any mixture of water, deionized water, inhibited glycol,or dielectric fluids; including ethylene glycol, propylene glycol,HFE-7100, HFE-7300, R-134a; supplied by the inlet tube 112.

As a result, heat may be reduced based on the relatively lowertemperature of the cold plate 114 absorbing the surrounding heat of thecomponents near the cold plate 114. For example, the cold plate 114 maybe attached, by thermal interface material, to a heat-producingprocessor. Thermal interface material ensures secure contact between theprocessor and the cold plate 114. Thus, heat from the processor is thenconductively transferred to the cold plate 114, where the heat is thendissipated convectively by the cooling liquid. The outlet tube 128 thenremoves the heated liquid, out of the cold plate 114. The processcontinues while the inlet tube 112 and outlet tube 128 are in use,circulating the liquid to cool the system 100. The add-on card bracket108 may also be considered a riser module.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example cold plate 114 that allowsfor cooling liquid to flow through it. Like elements in FIG. 1 arelabeled with the same reference numbers in FIG. 2. The cold plate 114includes a base 202, a front panel 204, a first side panel 206, a secondside panel 208, a top panel 210, and a bottom panel 214. The first sidepanel 206 and the second side panel 208 are generally parallel. The toppanel 210 and the bottom panel 214 are generally parallel. The base 202also includes holes 212. The holes 212 allow the cold plate 114 to beremovably fastened to the chassis 102 or a bracket (not shown) on themotherboard 104 of the system 100, by a fastener. As illustrated, thereare six holes 212 on the base 202. In some instances, there may be feweror more than six connected fasteners and holes 212 on the base 202 forthe cold plate 114 to be removably secured to a surface.

The cold plate 114 also includes a first socket 216 and a second socket218 extending from the bottom panel 214. Each socket 216, 218 alsoincludes a connector 220 located at an end of the respective sockets216, 218, opposite of the bottom panel 214. The function of the sockets216, 218 and the connector 220 are to ensure connection between the coldplate 114 and tube 112 and the cooling liquid outlet tube 128(collectively ‘the tubes 112, 128’) transporting cooling liquid into andout of the cold plate 114, as shown in in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a see-through perspective view of the cold plate 114,demonstrating the liquid flow (shown via arrows) through the cold plate114. Like elements in FIGS. 1-2 are labeled with the same referencenumbers in FIG. 3. In addition to the previously mentioned components,the cold plate 114 also includes an internal chamber 302. The internalchamber 302 is located inside of the cold plate 114 and extends from thebottom panel 214 toward the top panel 210 in a generally “U” shapedoutline, where the curved portion of the “U” is located near the toppanel 210. The internal chamber 302 contains a first internal conduit304 and a second internal conduit 306. The first internal conduit 304has an opening 308 at the first socket 216 and extends toward the toppanel 210. The first internal conduit 304 then angles toward the firstside panel 206, where it merges with the second internal conduit 306.The second internal conduit 306 has an opening 310 at the second socket218 and extends toward the top panel 210 then angles toward the secondside panel 208, where it merges with the first internal conduit 304.

The function of the connectors 220 is to secure the tubes 112, 128carrying cooling liquid to the cold plate 114. Thus, cooling liquid mayenter the cold plate 114 through the connector 220 of the first socket216 and into the chamber 302 to decrease the temperature within the coldplate 114. The cooling liquid may enter the chamber 302 through thefirst internal conduit 304 at a relatively low temperature. The heatabsorbed by the cold plate 114 from the electronic component, such asthe processor, may then be transferred to the cooling liquid, therebydecreasing the temperature of the components under the cold plate 114.As a result, the temperature of the cooling liquid increases as thecooling liquid travels through the chamber 302 from the first internalconduit 304 to the second internal conduit 306. Thus, the temperature ofthe cooling liquid exiting the second internal conduit 306 is generallyhigher than the temperature of the cooling liquid entering the firstinternal conduit 304. As the warmer liquid flows through the secondinternal conduit 306, it exits the second socket 218, after havingabsorbed the heat. The connector 220 at the end of the second socket 218is connected to an outlet tube, such as the outlet tube 128 (shown inFIG. 1), where the liquid from the second internal conduit 306 and thesecond socket 218 exits the cold plate 114.

In some implementations, the cooling liquid flowing from the firstsocket 216 to the second socket 218 may experience an increase inpressure as it exits the cold plate 114. The increase in pressure may bedue to the smaller diameter of the second socket 218 relative to thediameter of the second internal conduit 306. The pressure increase mayalso be due to the smaller diameter of the connector 220 relative to thediameter of the second internal conduit 306. As a result, the pumpingpressure of the cooling liquid may have to be adjusted to reduce thepressure buildup and increase the flow rate of the cooling liquid out ofthe second socket 218. In some implementations, the design of theconnector 220 functions to reduce the difference in the diameter betweenthe second internal conduit 306 to the second socket 218 without havingto increase the pumping pressure of the cooling liquid. As will beexplained, the connector 220 includes a sleeve and a nut that provide asmoother transition between the larger diameter of the second internalconduit 306 and the smaller diameter of the second socket 218, as willbe described herein.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a sleeve 400 that is one component ofthe connector 220 in FIG. 3. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of thesleeve 400. The sleeve 400 is generally tubular in shape and includes anexternal surface 410 and an internal bore 406. The external surface 410may include a flared annular portion 408, a first portion 402 and asecond portion 404. The flared annular portion 408 extends away from theinternal bore 406. The first portion 402 and the second portion 404 ofthe sleeve 400 define the internal bore 406 for the cooling liquid. Theinner diameter of the first portion 402, where the inner diameter iscloser to the internal bore 406, is generally uniform. The innerdiameter of the second portion 404 increases between the first portion402 and the flared annular portion 408.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve 400. The internal bore406 widens between the first portion 402 and the second portion 404, andwidens more between the second portion 404 and the flared annularportion 408. As shown in FIG. 4B, the shape of the internal bore 406 inthe second portion 404 follows a non-linear curve to increase the crosssection. The curvature of the interior section of the second portion 404is a function of the flexibility desired due to a compression forceapplied the flared annular portion 408, which is described in moredetail below. The curvature of the interior section of the secondportion 404 is also intended to smooth the transition diameter betweenthe first portion 402 and the flared annular portion 408. As displayed,the circular cross section of the flared annular portion 408 increasesat a greater rate than the second portion 404. Therefore, the internalbore 406 widens from the first portion 402 to the second portion 404,and widens more from the second portion 404 to the flared annularportion 408, along the length of the sleeve 400.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a nut 500 that is one component of theconnector 220 in FIG. 3. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the nut500. The nut 500 includes a head portion 510, a tubular inlet 502,exterior threads 514, a flared portion 512, a flat top collar portion516, and an exterior surface 518. The exterior threads 514 are locatedon the exterior surface 518 of the nut 500. The head portion 510 doesnot include the exterior threads 514. The head portion 510 includessubstantially flat sides 520, perpendicular to the tubular inlet 502. Inthis example, there are six flat sides in a hexagon shape. The number offlat sides may range between three and ten. The sides of the headportion 510 may allow a user to either use a tool or their hand to gripthe nut 500 for attachment to the head portion 510. The diameter of thetubular inlet 502 gradually increases from the head portion 510 to theflared portion 512 of the nut 500. Thus, the inner diameter of the nut500 is not uniform throughout the entire length of the nut 500. Theexterior threads 514 allow for the nut 500 to be securely fastened to asocket, such as the sockets 216, 218, when mated to matching threads.The flat top collar portion 516 allows the nut 500 to fit into a tightlocation because the exterior threads 514 extend up to the flat topcollar portion 516.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the nut 500. The tubular inlet 502of the nut 500 extends from the head portion 510 to the flared portion512. The tubular inlet 502 includes a first section 506, followed by asecond section 504, and a third section 508. The first section 506 has aconstant diameter. The second section 504 has a sloped interior.Therefore, the diameter of the second section 504 increases from thepoint of intersection of the first section 506 to the intersection withthe third section 508. The third section 508 has a slope at a greaterangle than the slope of the second section 504. Thus, the inner diameterof the nut 500 near the flat top portion 516 is much greater than thediameter near the head portion 510. Therefore, the tubular inlet 502widens from the tubular inlet 502 at the first section 506 to the secondsection 504, and widens more from the second section 504 to the thirdsection 508, along the length of the nut 500.

FIG. 6A is a close-up view of the second socket 218 and the connector220 on the cold plate 114. Like elements in FIGS. 1-5B are labeled withthe same reference numbers in FIGS. 6A-B. FIG. 6A also shows theconnection located at the first socket 216 (shown in FIGS. 2-3) and theconnector 220 because both sockets 216, 218 have a connector 220. Theconnectors 220 for the sockets 216 and 218 both function to providebetter seals for the liquid connection and prevent or minimize leakage.The following description relates to the connector 220 of the socket218, but both sockets function in a similar manner. The second socket218 is a threaded hole on the bottom panel 214 to provide a securableattachment for the connector 220. The socket does not protrudes frombottom panel. The socket is a hole with thread for connector 220 tofasten onto. The protrusion is in fact the connector 220 itself

The connector 220 may consist of the nut 500 and the sleeve 400, whichare both generally cylindrical with increasing diameters near the secondsocket 218. The nut 500 and the sleeve 400 each include an innerdiameter and an outer diameter. Thus, the sleeve 400 includes theinternal bore 406 and the nut 500 includes the tubular inlet 502. Theinternal bore 406 allows for fluid to flow into and out of the secondsocket 218.

The connector 220 and its components may be fabricated from a ductile,flexible, malleable, insulative, and heat resistant material that maytemporarily deform while maintaining its structural integrity whenpressure is applied. For example, the connector 220 may be made of ametal such as, but not limited to, steel, tin, aluminum, nickel, brass,copper, and titanium. In such implementations, the connector 220 may bepermanently coupled to a tube by a method such as, but not limited to,brazing, soldering, or welding. Thus, since the connector 220 ispermanently coupled to a tube, the risk of leakage is greatly reduced.The tube may also be made of a plastic material such as, but not limitedto, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene,polyamide-imide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene oxide,polyethylene, and polystyrene. In such implementations, the tube may beremovably coupled to the connector 220 by method such as, but notlimited to, tying and adhering.

FIG. 6B is a close-up view of the second socket 218 and the connector220. As shown, the second socket 218 includes interior threads 602extending from the bottom panel 214 toward the second internal conduit306. The second socket 218 also includes a gap 604 at a distal end 608.The distal end 608 is near a location where the second socket 218intersects with the second internal conduit 306. The gap 604 isinitially rectangular before the sleeve 400 or the nut 500 is installed.The gap 604 shifts to a triangular shape, which is smaller than theinitial rectangular shape, when the sleeve 400 and the nut 500 areinstalled. The shape of the gap 604 changes because the exterior threads514 and the flat top portion 516 of the nut 500, and the flared annularportion 408 of the sleeve 400 intersect with the second internal conduit306. The second socket 218 includes an exterior circular collar 606 thatabuts the exterior surface 518 of the nut 500 when fully engaged. Aninterior cylindrical chamber with interior threads 602 has one enddefined by the collar 606 and a distal end 608 that provides access tothe interior threads 602. An annular shoulder 610 is provided at thedistal end 608 of the second socket 218 that serves as a stop to theflared annular portion 408 of the sleeve 400. Similarly, the annularshoulder 610 applying pressure at the distal end 608 serves as a stop tothe flat top portion 516, either directly or indirectly via the sleeve400.

Additionally, exterior threads 514 of the nut 500 intersect with the gap604 when securely mated with the interior threads 602. Thus, the tighterthe connection between the exterior threads 514 and the interior threads602, the smaller the gap 604 will be when the nut 500 is rotated intothe second socket 218. Furthermore, the flared annular portion 408 ofthe sleeve 400 is inserted in the gap 604. Thus, the second socket 218allows for the nut 500 and the sleeve 400 to be secured, when the sleeve400 is placed in the second socket 218. The nut 500 includes exteriorthreads 514 that mate with the interior threads 602 on the second socket218. The nut 500 is then rotated, engaging the exterior threads 514 tothe interior threads 602 to secure the sleeve 400 into the socket 218.The nut 500 includes an angled portion 512 on the exterior surface 518that angles away from the internal bore 406. The sleeve 400 alsoincludes a flared annular portion 408 located at the distal end 608 nearthe second internal conduit 306. The flared annular portion 408 anglesaway from the end of the internal bore 406. The purpose of the angledportion 512 of the nut 500 is to compress the flared annular portion 408of the sleeve 400. As the exterior threads 514 of the nut 500 arerotated, the angled portion 512 gets closer to the flared annularportion 408. The annular shoulder 610 stops the flared annular portion408 from extending further upward into the second internal conduit 306.Therefore, the angled portion 512 may compress the flared annularportion 408, securing it in place. Thus, the nut 500 secures the sleeve400 in the cold plate 114.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the nut 500 and the sleeve 400 inthe second socket 218 demonstrating compression force. Like elements inFIGS. 1-6B are labeled with the same reference numbers in FIG. 7. In thecold plate 114, the sleeve 400 fits into the second socket 218 and thenut 500 fits over the sleeve 400 to secure it to the second socket 218.As the nut 500 tightens in the second socket 218, the cross-section ofthe tubular inlet 502 of the nut 500 decreases from the compressiveforce. The gap 604 between the flared annular portion 408, the interiorthreads 602, the exterior threads 514, and the annular back wall of thesecond socket 218 decreases when the sleeve 400 and the nut 500 areinserted and secured in the second socket 218. However, the gap 604 maystill exist when both the sleeve 400 and the nut 500 are inserted. Thus,the angled portion 512 of the nut 500 and flared annular portion 408 ofthe sleeve 400 abut each other when installed into the second socket218. Furthermore, the angled portion 512 and the flared annular portion408 may apply a force that compresses the sleeve 400 and the nut 500together to ensure each are secured.

The connector 220 may be used for any connection such as the secondsocket 218, the first socket 216, other things like manifolds such asfittings, adapters, and the like. Once the nut 500 and the sleeve 400are properly fastened, cooling liquid may flow through the internal bore406 and out of the cold plate 114 at a rate that does not cause a highpressure area because of the smoother transition between the changes indiameter due to the slopes of the connector 220. Therefore, the pumppressure of the cooling liquid flowing through the cold plate 114 maystay consistent for the liquid cooling system disclosed herein.

Although the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and describedwith respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations andmodifications will occur or be known to others skilled in the art uponthe reading and understanding of this specification and the annexeddrawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention mayhave been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations,such feature may be combined with one or more other features of theother implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any givenor particular application.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosedembodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein,without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, thebreadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by anyof the above described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the inventionshould be defined in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

The foregoing description of the embodiments, including illustratedembodiments, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration anddescription and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to theprecise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and usesthereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,”“includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof, are used ineither the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms areintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, terms, such as those definedin commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevantart, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal senseunless expressly so defined herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for a computing system, the device comprising: a body including a panel and an internal conduit; a socket; and a connector extending from the panel, wherein the connector is removably coupled to the socket, the connector having: an outer end and an inner end; a nut having an exterior surface mating with a corresponding interior surface of the socket, and a tubular inlet; and a sleeve having an internal bore and an external surface abutting the tubular inlet of the nut, wherein the internal conduit is coupled to the inner end of the connector to circulate cooling liquid through the body.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the nut includes an angled portion and the sleeve includes a flared portion for assisting in securing the nut and the sleeve in the internal conduit.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer end of the connector is configured to be coupled to a tube.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the nut of the connector includes a plurality of threads configured to mate with threads on the socket.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve of the connector includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter, where the inner diameter decreases from the inner end to the outer end of the connector.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the outer diameter of the sleeve is less than the inner diameter of the nut.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is formed from a metal.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the internal conduit is U-shaped.
 9. A cooling assembly for decreasing temperature in a computing system, the cooling assembly comprising: an inlet tube configured to transport liquid into the assembly; an outlet tube configured to transport liquid out of the assembly; and a cold plate comprising: a body including a panel and an internal conduit; a first socket and a second socket; and a first connector and a second connector extending from the panel, wherein each connector is configured to be coupled to either the first socket or the second socket, the first connector and the second connector each having: an outer end and an inner end; a nut having an exterior surface mating with a corresponding interior surface of the first socket or the second socket, and a tubular inlet; and a sleeve having an internal bore and an external surface abutting the tubular inlet of the nut, wherein, the internal conduit is coupled to the inner end of the first connector and the second connector to circulate cooling liquid between the first connector and the second connector, and wherein the inlet tube mates with the first connector and the outlet tube mates with the second connector.
 10. The cooling assembly of claim 9, wherein the nut includes an angled portion and the sleeve includes a flared portion for assisting in securing the nut and the sleeve in the internal conduit.
 11. The cooling assembly of claim 9, wherein the outer end of the first connector and the second connector are each configured to be coupled to a tube.
 12. The cooling assembly of claim 9, wherein the exterior surface of the nut of each connector includes a plurality of threads configured to mate with threads on the first socket or the second socket.
 13. The cooling assembly of claim 9, wherein the sleeve of the first connector and the second connector includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter, where the inner diameter decreases from the inner end to the outer end of each connector.
 14. The cooling assembly of claim 13, wherein the outer diameter of the sleeve is less than the inner diameter of the nut.
 15. The cooling assembly bracket of claim 9, wherein the cold plate is formed from metal.
 16. The cooling assembly of claim 9, wherein the internal conduit is U-shaped.
 17. A system comprising: an inlet tube couplable to a circulation system of a liquid cooling system, the inlet tube transporting liquid from the circulation system; an outlet tube couplable to the liquid cooling system to transport liquid to the circulation system; an electronic component generating heat; and a cold plate thermally connected to the electronic component, the cold plate comprising: a body including a panel and an internal conduit; a first socket and a second socket; and a first connector and a second connector extending from the panel, wherein each connector is configured to be coupled to the first socket and the second socket, the first connector and the second connector each having: an outer end and an inner end; a nut having an exterior surface mating with a corresponding interior surface of the first socket or the second socket, and a tubular inlet; and a sleeve having an internal bore and an external surface abutting the tubular inlet of the nut, wherein the internal conduit is coupled to the inner end of the first connector and the second connector to circulate cooling liquid between the first connector to the second connector, and wherein the inlet tube mates with the first connector and the outlet tube mates with the second connector.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the exterior surface of the nut of each connector includes a plurality of threads configured to mate with threads on the first socket or the second socket.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the sleeve of the first connector and the second connector includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter, where the inner diameter decreases from the inner end to the outer end of each connector.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the outer diameter of the sleeve is less than the inner diameter of the nut. 